Baking for Nihilists

Banana and Rye Pancakes (with blueberry freeze) :

What a horror it is to discover that something in your fridge or fruit bowl has, due to your own neglect, been left to spoil. More often than I like, I see my fellow grocery shoppers recklessly buying more fresh produce than they could hope to contend with in the short time they have before it will go bad. It’s a maddening scene. Someone needs to stop these people. I would make it my business to do so, if I didn’t have to hurry home to set about consuming my own purchases in a fervent race against time. To fail in this is to be met with all kinds of unpleasant disruptions: confusing colours, noxious smells and mushy sensations are just a backdrop to the shame and guilt.

The story with overripe bananas is, as any home baker will tell you, a bit different . A spoiling banana is rich with potential and cause for celebration. They are the phoenixes of our fruit bowls, rising from their squishy ends to flourish as cakes, muffins, pies and tarts. The event of your bananas turning bad is not, however, entirely happy. Having a bunch of overripe bananas waiting for you to play your part in their miraculous transformation is one of the more serious domestic responsibilities and breeds it’s own particular kind of angst. The fates have smiled upon you with this unexpected gift, you cannot be complacent .

The following recipe is my latest attempt to do the occasion of a discovery of some unripe bananas justice. It was, in my opinion, a glorious success.

Banana and Rye Breakfast Pancakes (with Blueberry Yoghurt Freeze):

It’s breakfasts like that are the whole point of Saturday.
Recipe Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s “ Pancakes USA Stylie”: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/eggs-recipes/pancakes-usa-stylie

1 heaped tsp baking powder
Butter for frying
2 Tbsp Yoghurt
1 cup frozen Blueberries
Some honey or syrup of you choice for drizzling
Method:
The freeze: To make the blueberry yoghurt freeze ( frozen yoghurt in a hurry) put the blueberries and yoghurt in the blender and blend until combined. You could also add some sugar to taste if you like things a little sweeter. Place the freeze in a bowl in the freezer while you prepare the pancakes
The Pancakes: Mash the Bananas in a large bowl, mix thoroughly with the egg yolks and milk. Gently stir in the flour and baking powder, until just combined. Beat the egg whites with the salt until stiff peaks form and fold into the other mixture one third at a time.
Fry the cakes on medium-low heat in a greased pan, making sure each side is a beautiful golden colour. If you like a stack then keep the cooked pancakes in a warm oven until you are ready to serve.
Drizzle you pancakes with honey/syrup and top with a scoop of the blueberry freeze and enjoy.